Google’s I/O event is about to get started and as part of that event there will be a number of announcements coming through on all things Android-related. However, before the event has even gotten underway, Google has announced one particular Android-related aspect which will be good news for those based in the UK. Android Pay is now available in the UK.
To some, this will not be exactly new news as it had been long expected that Android Pay will be hitting the UK soon with reports coming through in March detailing that this would happen in the “coming months.” However, a few days ago indications started to emerge suggesting that the launch might happen this week, as Android Pay adverts were spotted in the UK coffee house chain, Pret A Manger. Following on from that news and Google has now made the launch official.
That said, details are a little limited with Google making the announcement on Twitter and through the official Android Twitter account. As a result, the announcement simply details that Android Pay is now available in the UK and that the Android Pay app is now available to download in the UK, from the country’s local Google Play Store. While the current details are limited, back in the March ‘coming soon’ report, Google did note that when the service does arrive in the UK it will be compatible with a number of the high street banks including Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, First Direct, among others. While on the retailer side of things, the same report also confirmed that Android Pay will be able to be used in a number of locations including Boots, Costa Coffee, Waitrose, and of course (thanks to the reports from last week), Pret A Manger. It is also worth pointing out that the service is said to be usable on the London transport network too, so the next time you hop on a bus or take the Tube, you should be able to use Android Pay to pay for the ride. Although, you will need to download the app first which you can do by heading through the link below.